Chavez helps to free women hostages

Two women hostages freed by Colombian rebels after five years in captivity have arrived in the capital Caracas. Clara Rojas and Consuelo Gonzalez were met by their relatives and government officials. They thanked Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for helpi

Chavez says he hopes his efforts will lead to more hostages being freed.

The release of the two women is viewed as a goodwill gesture by the rebels who continue to hold 44 high-profile hostages.